Tahiti Surf Trip Etiquette: Tripping Atolls Posted by Aaron Gomez on March 13, 2023 IN THE SURF Smile and Say Hello: Before you catch your first wave, always paddle up to every surfer in the lineup (don’t rush over, though) and say hello/shake hands. This is customary around Tahiti and, really, a good practice of respect anywhere Wait, What’s “Hello?”: You could say “Bonjour,” but Ia Orana (Ee-yoh Rah-nah), basically, “Aloha,” is even better. Learn it. Live it. You Don’t Have Priority: Ease in to the lineup. Don’t rush to be in position, just because it’s firing. Let a couple set waves go to the locals, even if you happen to be deeper, and the act of generosity will 100% be returned Be Patient: Swell a little lully at the moment? That’s because some of them travel 10,000 miles to get there. Wait on it, a push or pull in tide through the reef pass (and shift in wind) could make all the difference…and often does Peace Offerings: Leave an extra board, leashes, boardshorts, or surf wax with the locals before you leave. It’s hard, if not impossible, for some of them to get any gear out on some of the farther atolls Men in Grey Suits: See a shark? Don’t freak out. There’s tons of reef sharks around, most are not interested in you On Board Don’t Be a Stinker: Keep the bathroom doors closed so you don’t stink up the cabins. If ya can…go No. 2 in the sea. East Last: Yeah, we know you’re hungry, so is everyone else. But rushing to fill your plate first is just bad form. Also, make sure there’s always enough chow for the crew Beer Runs: If you think you’re running low on Hinanos….you’re already out. Have cash on hand ready to make a beer run across the lagoon to the nearest market Hear No Evil: Ear plugs can help to fight sea sickness, (and pesky snorers), have some handy Stay Hydrated: Not only on Hinanos, but, like, with water-water. Liquid IV powders help, too, for those 8-hr sesh days Keep It Clean: The reef is alive, sharp and shallow out there. Bring a first aid kit for that Eagle Eye: Bring binos or a monocular to spot mysto slabs off distant reef passes Sunscreen: Always. Have a bunch and reapply often, especially to those spots (back of the legs and neck) you might normally miss Shop Mystic Motu See Product See Product See Product See Product Continue Exploring SURF Jul 12, 2024 Roark in Hawaii x Nate Zoller The North Shore of Oahu has long been the heartbeat of... "Cooloola" - Harrison Roach x Wasted Talent Check out and check in with Harrison and our pals at... Roark in Hawaii x Lucas Godfrey The North Shore of Oahu has long been the heartbeat of... WOMEN Jun 28, 2024 Meet Marina – Owner of Corazón Surf Cafe When we landed in Playa Negra, we had no idea what... women Jun 04, 2024 Meet Hanalei — Co-founder of Abysse Nestled within the idyllic walls of her vintage, sixties-inspired home in...